The use of sexually transmitted disease (STD) statistics to evaluate Thailand's HIV prevention program.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The use of sexually transmitted disease (STD) statistics to evaluate Thailand's HIV prevention program.

Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11;9(1):102 (abstract no. WS-C21-4). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/93333237
Hanenberg R; Benjarattanapron P; Mugrditchian D

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To attempt to corroborate high reported condom use by workers at commercial sex establishments by review of STD incidence rates from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) clinics. Condom use was reported as 84% in 1992 which was increased from 14% in 1989. METHODS: Unpublished STD statistics from the MOPH were collected and tabulated. These STD statistics collected from STD clinics and from out-patient departments of public hospitals. The number of new male cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, non-specific urethritis, lymphogranuloma venereum and chancroid were analyzed. RESULTS: Time trend analysis of this data indicated that the prevalence of gonorrhea and chancroid had been falling gradually since 1986, the time that quinolones became available over the counter. The prevalence of syphilis appears to have increased slightly between 1986 and 1989. All five STD declined dramatically in 1989, the beginning of the condom program, by over 70% in some populations. The declines were greater in the more urbanized areas. CONCLUSIONS: The accelerating decrease in STD prevalence corresponds to the initiation of the government policy in 1990 to push large quantities through the commercial sex network. This data substantiates the reported condom use data and indicates that the Thai AIDS control program in the commercial sex setting has been successful (although HIV prevalence in sentinel groups continues to rise). This analysis also indicates that data from passive surveillance systems are useful in measuring the impact of intervention programs.

Keywords: *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/EPIDEMIOLOGY *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL *HIV Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY *HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Population Surveillance *Sexually Transmitted Diseases/EPIDEMIOLOGY
931130
M93B5811

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